Toronto Summer jobs, Student jobs

Position: Nature Reserves Intern (two positions)
Type: age 30 & under / summer
Organization: Ontario Nature
Location: based out of Ontario Nature’s Head Office, 720 Bathurst, Toronto ON (near Bathurst Station)

Position Overview

Ontario Nature is seeking two enthusiastic and dedicated individuals for the position of Nature Reserves Intern. The length of the positions will be based on funding, with both starting in May 2025. The Nature Reserves Intern will assist with several aspects of the Nature Reserves Program including stewardship projects and field work. Main duties are conducting detailed ecological inventories and other data collection at nature reserve properties, data entry, event planning, and community outreach.

The ideal candidate has a keen interest in conservation, working knowledge of species at risk and invasive species found in Ontario, and has experience conducting field work. The ability to work well as part of a small team, as well as independently, is required.

About Ontario Nature

Ontario Nature is a charitable conservation organization that protects wild species and wild spaces across Ontario through conservation, education, and public engagement. We represent over 150 member groups and more than 30,000 individual members and supporters throughout the province. To learn more about Ontario Nature, visit: ontarionature.org. 

Why Work with Ontario Nature

• Flexible work hours and location, in accordance with our Remote Work Policy
• Progressive workspace and membership perks at the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto
• Fulfilling, purpose-driven work, alongside 30 passionate and committed colleagues
• An ongoing commitment to create an inclusive and equitable environment for employees, volunteers, members and supporters
• Opportunities for advancement, skill development and cross-sectoral collaboration
• Support for taking initiative and pursuing aligned personal interest projects
• Team building and social opportunities

Principal Responsibilities

• Assist with data collection, entry, analysis and reporting as required to develop and implement property management plans.
• Support the classification of habitats on Nature Reserves following Ecological Land Classification (ELC) and Vegetation Sampling Protocol (VSP).
• Assist with annual inspections and baseline inventories including documenting threats and usage, species at risk monitoring, and easement compliance monitoring. 
• Assist with public and volunteer engagement on Nature Reserves including restoration activities, invasive species removal, trail maintenance and guided hikes.
• Assist with communications for the Nature Reserves Program including contributing to social media, blogs and webpage updates.
• Support the maintenance of well-organized digital and hard copy files for the Nature Reserves Program, ensuring easy access for file users.
• Support transferring files and inputting data in accordance with existing organizational structure into Landscape, the land management database.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in conservation in Ontario.
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science or a relevant field.
• Experience with compiling information on conservation lands including natural features, threats, species at risk and invasive species.
• Experience with detailed notetaking, data collection and entry, and data quality assurance.
• Working knowledge of Ontario’s flora and fauna, and experience using dichotomous identification keys. 
• Good verbal and written communications skills including active listening and the willingness to ask questions. 
• Ability to work well independently within a small team structure and collaboratively with partners.   
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in sometimes challenging conditions (e.g., high temperatures and humidity, heavy rain, dense bugs) and terrains. 
• Basic navigational skills including experience with field GPS unit, compass and air photo interpretation.
• Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. 
• Valid class “G” driver’s license and ability to rent a vehicle in Ontario.
• Must live in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) or be willing to relocate to meet this criteria.
• Meet requirements for Canada Summer Jobs:
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
• Valid Social Insurance Number and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Between 15 and 30 years of age.

Desirable Assets

• Experience with Ecological Land Classification and/or Vegetation Sampling Protocol.
• Experience capturing and handling reptiles and amphibians.
• Experience with Landscape land conservation software.
• Experience conducting breeding bird surveys.

Anticipated Start Date: May 7, 2025

Type of Position:

• Position 1: 12-week contract, full-time
• Position 2: 16-week contract, full-time with possibly of extension
• Length of positions are dependent on funding

Compensation: $20.00-$24.00/hour depending on experience

Location: This position is based out of Ontario Nature’s Head Office – 720 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON. The selected candidate must live in the GTA or be willing to relocate. Ontario Nature offers flexibility with working location, in accordance with our operational Remote Work Policy.

Working Conditions: This job requires frequent travel across Ontario and frequent weekend and evening work. During these trips staff often camp or stay in rustic accommodations. The position requires the ability to work outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions (e.g., high summer temperatures and humidity, heavy rain) and terrains. The job can be physically demanding, including hiking, tree-planting, hole-digging, camping in uncomfortable conditions and lifting heavy objects (up to 40 lbs). 

To Apply 

• Include your resume, cover letter and three references in one PDF document, addressing your qualifications and experience.
• In your application, please indicate whether you are interested in the 12 or 16-week position, or both
• Include “Nature Reserves Intern” in the subject line

Email your application to jobs@ontarionature.org

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Deadline for applications: March 21, 2025, 11:59 P.M.

 Although Ontario Nature appreciates the efforts of all those who apply for this position, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No unsolicited emails or phone calls please. 

 Ontario Nature is committed to employment equity, diversity and accessibility. Requests for disability-related accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should make their requirements known when contacted.